|
Hiking in Zion Park
The Park is divided into three sections: Zion Mt. Carmel Hwy (Scenic Byway 9) Zion Canyon, and the Primitive Kolob Section
Hidden Canyon:
This very steep hike begins at the same trail head as the Weeping Rock and West Rim trails. Hidden Canyon is a 2 mile, moderate hike, but with narrow paths toward the end. When hiking Hidden Canyon a great view of the huge Cable Mountain can be seen and an intoxicating view of Zion Canyon. Looking closely the cable-car system that once existed in Zion can be seen. The ascent is 850 ft. The view from the mid hike down into Zion Canyon is breath taking. Allow three hours to reach the canyon mouth and return. A path that requires a little climbing does continue for another half mile past the trail end.
Emerald Pools:
This trio of trails is very nice trail for families. Reaching the lower Emerald Pool is a 1.2 mile trip with an ascent of 69 feet. It is considered to be a moderate hike, since it is a little steep at times. Add an extra mile to the 1.2 mile round trip if going to the the upper pool. Heaps Canyon Creek feeds the lower and middle pools. There are three nice waterfalls along this hike, the waterfall between the middle and lower pools feeds the handing gardens. The lower pool is the smallest and the upper pool is the largest. There are two ways to enter or exit this hike, so unlike most of Zion's hikes there is no need to back track the way you came.
Sand Bench Trail:
This is a 12 mile moderate round trip, the trail is a sandy horse trail with an ascent of 500 ft. From the trail there are good views of the lower Zion Canyon, Mt. Moroni, Court of Patriarchs and the streaked wall.
Next: Zion Canyon Hiking Continued
|
